Ridgid Planer TP1300

[ggg71]

I picked up a Ridgid Planer last night. I got a deal on the floor model... (40% off) Of course when I got it home and all dusted off, and everything tightened up, I realized it didn't have the "Switch Key". Aaagh.

So I called Ridgid today - .85 for the key, $8 for shipping. Ouch.

I'm going back to HD tonight to see if they can do anything for me, but I doubt it.

Any other ideas?

Any tips to using a planer in general?

Thanks in advance!

Garth

[BrazosJake]

Congrats on your find.

I'd start getting friendly with the tool corral employees at your local BORGs, I bet they could come up with an extra key as they're interchangeable.

I've got the same planer, the old grey model. It is both the easiest to use, and noisiest power tool I own. I haven't had to set knives yet, so that may change my opinion. It puts a very nice finish on the wood, just got through planing about 20 bf of poplar to 1/2" for drawers (it had been resawn to about 9/16).

I've read much about sniping with planers, but I haven't had a problem with it. I think the key is to get the infeed/outfeed tables adjusted and provide support for longer workpieces.

[JSCOOK]

YMMV ... but my local BORG is very cooperative when it's come to parts missing or incomplete ... I'm sure if you went back to the store and talked to the manager of the tool department, he'd most likely order in one for you without cost or hassle especially since you just purchased it ...

On the other hand, at $0.85 each (if you do order) order more than just one that you have a spare(s) should you lost/break the key in the future ...

[ggg71]

Well I went back, talked to a nice guy, and he rummaged around out back and found one for me. Woohoo!!

Fired up the planer and it works like a champ!

I'm picking up some nice hardwood this weekend.. Going to attempt a chessboard. We'll see how that goes.

Thanks everyone!

Garth

[ragswl4]

If you have never used a planer before make sure you take small bites 1/16" or less per pass and watch the grain direction on the wood as it can cause tearout if you feed in the wrong direction. I learned from experience. Figured wood requires taking 1/32" or less per pass. Be patient and you will love the results.

ragswl4

[linear]

Garth,

I have this unit, I think you are going to be extremely pleased. I just used mine to thickness some leopardwood--I was taking about .005 off with each pass and it worked fantastically well.

[softop41]

I've had one for a year and am extremely plaesed with it. I don't use it a lot but I've probably run a hundred BF thrugh it and the knives are still great.Jerry

[lrr]

I've got a DeWalt planer, but I own quite a few Ridgid tools (jointer, oscillating spindle sander, nailer, miter saw, router, belt sander, palm sander, shop vac ...) Man, they ought to pay me for all the advertising I do for their tools!

%^)

Your planer got high marks in one of the mags last year. And be sure to register it for Lifetime Warranty, which is offered on all their power tools, I believe.

After owning a planer, I am not sure how I lived without one (of course, I say this every time I get a new type of woodworking tool).